Do you need a referral for second opinion?

Some services allow patients to request an appointment directly; others require a referral from the treating oncologist or another doctor. Ask the second-opinion service what it needs before sending records, because its process may differ for an appointment, pathology review or imaging review.

A second opinion is an independent review of a diagnosis, stage or treatment plan. The reviewing clinician may agree with the existing plan, suggest another option, or request missing information before commenting. A pathology second opinion may require biopsy slides or tissue blocks, while a radiology review may require the original scan files rather than only the written report. Seeking another view does not automatically transfer your care.

Contact the chosen service and confirm its referral, record-transfer and appointment requirements. Ask your current team for the diagnosis summary, pathology reports, scan reports and images, relevant laboratory results, treatment history, medication list and proposed plan. Tell the service if a treatment decision has a scheduled date. Prepare a short list of questions, such as whether the diagnosis and stage are confirmed, which options are reasonable, and whether additional testing could change the plan.

A second-opinion request should not delay care for an urgent medical problem. Contact your treating team promptly if symptoms are worsening, treatment side effects are difficult to manage, or you are unsure whether a planned procedure can safely wait. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, fainting, new confusion, sudden weakness, uncontrolled pain or a high fever while receiving cancer treatment. Tell both teams about any treatment deadline.

Ask which records were reviewed and whether the original pathology or imaging needs re-examination. Clarify where the second opinion agrees or differs, what each option aims to achieve, and what trade-offs matter in your situation. Find out whether the reviewer will send written recommendations to you and your treating doctor, who will answer follow-up questions, and whether care can continue with your original team.